2 Corinthians 12:9 SS

A lovely verse found within a somewhat uncomfortable truth. Paul tells us of being caught up to Paradise, hearing beautiful revelations from God, "inexpressible things, things a man is not permitted to tell". (2 Cor 12:3-4) He continues, revealing that he was "given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me," to prevent him from becoming prideful as a result of these special revelations. (2 Cor 12:7) At first glance, it's a bit unsettling, isn't it? Does God allow or use, even introduce, "thorns," physical or otherwise, to keep our humility and deference to Him intact? Many thorns are simply the byproduct of sin and a fallen world, but we know that pride often leads to heartbreaking sin. Perhaps the weight of our "thorns" is the godly balance for the scale on which our pride also rests. God knows our predilection toward pride. He also directs us to pray and pray and be continually in prayer to Him. (Philipp 4:6) Paul prayed and asked the Lord three times to take away the